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Richard Taylor: I think Shirov made a serious error in not playing either 44 Bb4 or 44 Ba3 or even 44 Bc7! (found by my Chessmaster - ok I only set it for 10 minutes -perhaps someone has analysed this - or can do so on a better computer?) ) but I cant find a win for Black.

Usually the Marshall, which is indeed dangerous - paradoxically ends in a draw at the GM level...

computer chess guy: After 44. h6 White is lost, although precise play by Black is required. Better was something less committal like ♗b4, but White would still have a difficult task holding the endgame.

Indeed! However (and to update my post from <Oct-21-07>), I recently learned that the theme Aronian used here has been known for centuries and actually originates in a late 16th century study with White to play and win in this position:

posoo: LOL look at da shirmo! DIS makes CLEAR dat da "move of da universe BH3 was nothing but a luky shot!" Shirv tries to do DA SAME THING and gives his bishap away FOR NO REASON and then LOOK! Boxed boxed away!

Mating Net: What I've always liked about this game is how Black kept repeatedly offering the Rook, just daring White to take it. Of course he couldn't because of zugswang, but not taking it leads to defeat. Now that's chess!

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